Course aims 

·          To provide a comprehensive overview on the whole field of Gynaecological Radiation Therapy focussing on Brachytherapy and External Irradiation in Cervix Cancer, Endometrial Cancer and Vaginal Cancer

·          To provide an overview on evidence-based medicine (concomitant chemoradiation)

·          To provide an overview on traditional approach in Gynaecological Brachytherapy and External Irradiation

·          To learn to know about advanced image-based techniques including IMRT and optimization process in brachytherapy using stepping source technology

·          To introduce image-based concepts of GTV, CTV and PTV in Gynaecological Radiation Oncology including both External Irradiation and Brachytherapy (with adaptation during 4D treatment)

·          To enable practical implementation of advanced concepts and techniques in Gynaecological External Irradiation and Brachytherapy

Target group

The course is aimed at Radiation and Gynaecological Oncologists, Medical Physicists and Radiation Technologists involved in Gynaecological tumour treatments, interested in the implementation of advanced concepts and techniques. A basic knowledge of Gynaecologic Oncology is required.

Educational programme

·          Normal and pathologic anatomy of female pelvis
·          Image based anatomy including US, CT and MRI
·          CTV/ITV for external irradiation
·          GTV, CTV, PTV at diagnosis and at time of brachytherapy
·          Combination of external irradiation and brachytherapy
·          Different application techniques in brachytherapy, including endocavitary and interstitial techniques
·          Image requirements for irradiation
·          Treatment planning:
    o    Conventional external irradiation techniques based on X-rays
    o    Conventional brachytherapy techniques, based on standard and individual 
              loading patterns using point doses, including point A and ICRU reference
              points
    o    Advanced techniques including conformal external irradiation and IMRT
    o    Advanced techniques in brachytherapy, including individual loading patterns
              based on images
·          Image based dose volume assessment applying DVH parameters
·          Dose volume constraints for CTVs and organs at risk
·          Dose, dose-rate and fractionation and overall treatment time
·          HDR, PDR, MDR, and LDR equivalencies
·          Radiobiological effects from combined external irradiation and brachytherapy, linear quadratic model
·          Prescribing, recording and reporting including ICRU and GEC-ESTRO recommendations
·          Nodal dose evaluation, including external irradiation and brachytherapy
·          Nodal and parametrial boosts
·          EMBRACE study
·          Therapeutic outcome: radiochemotherapy, image based EBRT and brachytherapy
·          Principles and Practice of evidence-based medicine in Gynaecologic Radio-Oncology
·          Delineation examples: external irradiation and brachytherapy
·          Treatment Planning Workshops 
·          Possibility to participate in additional web-based contouring training before and after the course (accredited by an additional course certificate)